Periodical Imaging of Microstructure During Temperature Regulated Electrical Conductivity Measurements of Supercritically Synthesized Polypyrrole

Electrochemically active conducting polymers are an important class of materials for applications in energy storage devices. Herein, we report the synthesis of an electrically conducting polypyrrole (PPY) through ferric chloride initiated chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in presence of supercritical carbon dioxide at 70 and 80 °C. The formation of PPY was ascertained through various analytical methods. Polypyrrole graphite electrodes (PGEs) were fabricated through dispersion of PPY synthesized at 70 and 80 °C into graphite in presence of sulfonated polysulfone binder and named as PGE1 and PGE2, respectively. PGE2 demonstrated better DC conductivity over that of PGE1 with morphology retention up to 35 K. Electrochemical studies reveal superior capacitive performance of PGE2 in KOH electrolyte (97.74 F/g) and reduction in corrosion rate of steel electrode @0.16 mm/y.